Vision is a natural part of how we examine the world but the overall process of seeing is complicated. Our retinas are located in the back of the eye and relay what we see to our brain through the optic nerve. At the center of the retina is the macula, which processes specific details.
As we get older, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect the retina, with up to 20 million Americans showing signs of it and 1.5 million struggling with the late-stage effects of the condition. Managing life with AMD can be stressful, but there are ways to navigate everyday life while getting it treated.
The medical team at Bronx Eye Associates helps the residents of the Pelham Gardens area of the Bronx, New York, with many eye problems, including the issues associated with AMD.
Frequently affecting people over 50, macular degeneration develops in one or both eyes and leads to vision loss more than any other illness in people 60 or older. Beyond age, other risk factors include family history, obesity, diabetes, head injuries, smoking, hypertension, and a diet high in saturated fats.
It also affects white people more frequently than other races. AMD comes in two forms:
AMD makes it more challenging to see, and the symptoms don’t present themselves until they begin to progress, including impaired vision in low light, blurred vision, changes in color perception, low vision, and blank or dark spots in vision.
Neither type of this illness can be cured; instead, the goal in treatment is to manage wet or dry AMD to slow its progression. Here are the options for both forms:
Medications to slow or stop the development of new abnormal blood vessels help with this version, which is done through injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. Photodynamic therapy and surgery are also options to help with this illness.
AREDS 2 formulation vitamins can be prescribed to help slow progression. In some cases, surgery to implant a telescopic lens can help to magnify your field of vision, but the criteria to qualify for its use are very strict.
Dealing with the vision loss associated with AMD can be frustrating, so these tips may help ease the transition involved:
This service consists of many services to help you adjust to vision changes due to AMD, including household support, transportation, job training, and independent skills training.
Losing your sight can help enhance your other senses. Focusing more on peripheral vision, hearing, and touching can make it easier to navigate the world around you.
Making changes at home to better help you get around can keep you safer and make life easier. Things like rearranging furniture, improving lighting in frequently used areas, using contrasting colors in everyday items, and installing a medical alert system can all help you at home.
Tools with magnifying glasses can help to make out details, and electronic devices can be used to make seeing easier.
Beyond these tips, be sure to get regular eye exams to chart your condition’s progress, wear protective eyewear, take regular breaks when using digital screens, avoid smoking, and reduce sugar in your diet to prevent diabetic complications.
For more tips and finding the right treatment options for your needs with AMD, schedule an appointment with the medical team at Bronx Eye Associates.
